Cytotoxicity properties of green synthesized cupric oxide nanoparticles on neural cells: Rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells and melanoma stem cells A375 cells

Nanomaterials with their unique physicochemical properties play a major role in many aspects of life, but our current knowledge about the side effects of these materials is limited. They have shown various important applications in the field of medicine and pharmaceutics. In this study, copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous extract of Artemisia annua. Physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Xray spectroscopy (EDS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Derivative Thermogravimetric (DTG) analyses. The cytotoxicity and neuroprotective effects of these biogenic nanoparticles were evaluated against melanoma cancer cells line (A375) and rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12). Pure synthetic polyhedral nanoparticles have significant toxicity on melanoma cells. Additionally, CuO nanoparticles had little toxicity on pheochromocytoma cells. Based on the results, it is suggested that the neuroprotective and anticancer properties of these nanoparticles should be further evaluated.